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Electrical Equipment, Wiring Devices, Materials & Tools

Class 2 Electrician 第二種電気工事士 (written exam) · 第二種電気工事士(学科試験) · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Types of Insulated Wires, Cables and Cords, and Maximum Allowable Temperatures

The eight questions from Question 11 to Question 18 (worth 16 points) in Part 1 form a vital section covering materials, wiring devices, tools, electrical machines, and photo identification. First, master the letter codes and "maximum allowable temperatures" of wires and cables.

Among "insulated wires" pulled through conduits, standard "600 V vinyl-insulated wire (IV)" has a maximum allowable temperature of "60°C", whereas heat-resistant "600 V type-2 vinyl-insulated wire (HIV)" and "600 V flame-retardant polyethylene-insulated wire (EM-IE)" are rated at "75°C".

For outdoor overhead wiring, "outdoor weatherproof vinyl-insulated wire (OW)" is used, and for service drops from utility poles to buildings, "service-drop vinyl-insulated wire (DV)" is used. Because OW wire has thin insulation, it must never be used for indoor wiring such as inside metal conduits.

Among "cables" (insulated cores covered with an outer protective sheath), flat "VVF" and round "VVR" cables (vinyl-insulated vinyl-sheathed cables) used in residential wiring are rated at "60°C", while eco-friendly "EM-EEF" cable—which emits no toxic halogen gas when burned—is rated at "75°C".

Finally, "600 V cross-linked polyethylene-insulated vinyl-sheathed cable (CV)", widely used for feeders and underground burial, has the highest maximum allowable temperature at "90°C". Note that flexible "cords" for appliances must never be fastened directly to building surfaces as permanent indoor wiring.

Types of Insulated Wires, Cables and Cords, and Maximum Allowable Temperatures

Key points


  • Memorize maximum allowable temperatures: IV, VVF, VVR = "60°C"; HIV, EM-IE, EM-EEF = "75°C"; CV cable = "90°C".

  • EM-IE and EM-EEF are eco-friendly wires/cables that do not emit toxic halogen gases or heavy black smoke during a fire.

  • Outdoor vinyl wire (OW) and flexible appliance cords cannot be used inside indoor conduits or fastened directly to walls as indoor wiring.
WordMeaning
600 V type-2 vinyl-insulated wire (HIV: 75°C)
600 V cross-linked polyethylene cable (CV: 90°C)
EM-EEF cable (eco-cable: 75°C)
outdoor weatherproof wire (OW) and service-drop wire (DV)

Types and Features of Conduits (Synthetic Resin, Metal and Flexible Conduits)

Conduits through which insulated wires are drawn to protect them from mechanical impact and moisture are broadly divided into "synthetic resin conduits" and "metal conduits". It is important to memorize both the drawing symbol letters and the practical application of each type.

Among synthetic resin conduits, the rigid greyish-white straight pipe is "rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit (symbol: VE)". Meanwhile, flexible corrugated conduits include self-extinguishing (flame-retardant) "synthetic resin pliable conduit (PF pipe: cream or black)" and non-flame-retardant orange "CD pipe".

Because PF pipe is flame-retardant, it can be used widely in concealed or exposed locations. However, orange "CD pipe (combined ductile pipe)" burns easily and, in principle, may only be used where "embedded directly in concrete".

For underground buried wiring, corrugated high-strength "corrugated rigid synthetic resin pipe (symbol: FEP)" is used. Metal conduits include "thick steel conduit (G: even numbers like G16, G22)" and "thin steel conduit (C: odd numbers like C19, C25)", which are joined by cutting threads on the pipe ends.

The most widely used metal conduit on job sites today is "threadless steel conduit (symbol: E, such as E19, E25)", which connects easily using break-off set screws without threading. Where vibration occurs, such as connections to electric motors, "type-2 flexible metal conduit (F2)" is used.

Key points


  • Rigid PVC conduit (VE) is a hard straight pipe, PF pipe is a self-extinguishing flexible corrugated tube, and FEP pipe is for underground burial.

  • Orange CD pipe is not self-extinguishing and is restricted in principle to direct embedding in concrete (exposed installation is prohibited).

  • Metal conduit symbols: thick steel is "G", thin steel is "C", threadless steel is "E", and flexible metal conduit is "F2".
WordMeaning
rigid PVC conduit (VE pipe)
synthetic resin pliable conduit (PF pipe and CD pipe)
threadless conduit (E pipe) and thick steel conduit (G pipe)
corrugated rigid synthetic resin pipe (FEP pipe)

Conduit Fittings, Boxes and Wire Connection Materials

In Question 11 and the photo identification in Question 16, conduit fittings appear constantly. The metal box used for wire splicing and pulling is an "outlet box (medium or large square)"; when passing cables through knockout holes in the box side, a "rubber bushing" is fitted to protect the cable sheath from sharp edges.

Conversely, when fastening a metal conduit to a box, tighten it with a "locknut" and always screw a plastic "insulating bushing" onto the cut end of the metal conduit inside the box so the pipe edge does not damage wire insulation (the distinction between rubber bushings and insulating bushings is heavily tested).

Fittings for joining pipes include "TS couplings" for gluing VE pipes together, "combination couplings" for joining dissimilar pipes (such as metal conduit to PF pipe), "normal bends" for 90-degree turns in metal conduit, and lidded "universal fittings (Type A, Type B)" for sharp bends.

Additionally, the fitting attached to the top of a vertical outdoor metal conduit (or horizontal pipe) to bring wires indoors while keeping rainwater out is an "entrance cap (or terminal cap)", and the U-shaped metal strap used to secure conduits to a wall is a "saddle".

Materials for splicing wires inside boxes include tin-plated copper "ring sleeves (E-type: Small, Medium, Large)" compressed with a crimping tool, and transparent plastic "push-in connectors" where stripped solid wires are simply pushed into slots (for solid wires only; stranded wires cannot be used).

Key points


  • Fit a "rubber bushing" into knockout holes of an outlet box, and screw an "insulating bushing" onto the end of a metal conduit to protect wires.

  • Use a "combination coupling" to join dissimilar pipes (e.g., metal pipe to PF pipe), and a "TS coupling" to join rigid PVC (VE) pipes.

  • An "entrance cap" prevents rainwater entry at the tip of an outdoor metal pipe; a "push-in connector" joins solid wires by insertion.
WordMeaning
outlet box and pull box
rubber bushing and insulating bushing
combination coupling and normal bend
entrance cap and saddle
ring sleeve (E-type) and push-in connector

Types and Structures of Switches and Receptacles (Outlets)

Switches (flush-mounted tumbler switches) for turning lights ON/OFF include "single-pole switches" for single-location control, "double-pole switches (2P)" that disconnect both wires simultaneously, and "3-way switches (3 terminals: 0, 1, 3)" for controlling stairway or hallway lights from two locations.

To control a light from three or more locations, connect one or more "4-way switches (4 terminals: 1, 2, 3, 4)" between the two 3-way switches at the ends. Also, to help locate a switch in the dark, a "location indicator switch (firefly / hotaru switch: symbol H) lights up its internal lamp when the switch is OFF".

Conversely, to prevent forgetting to turn off exhaust fans or sign lights, a "confirmation indicator switch (pilot switch: symbol P) lights up its internal lamp when the switch is ON (load running)". The difference between H (lit when OFF) and P (lit when ON) is tested almost every year.

An "automatic light-operated switch (photocell switch: symbol A)" automatically turns outdoor streetlamps ON at dusk and OFF at dawn according to ambient light, and is mounted facing north to avoid direct sunlight. A "remote control system (remote switch, remote relay, and 24 V remote transformer)" controls lighting via low-voltage 24 V signals.

Receptacles include "grounding-pole receptacles (symbol E)" with a ground slot, "grounding-terminal receptacles (symbol ET)" with a screw terminal for a ground wire, "combined grounding-pole and grounding-terminal receptacles (EET)", "twist-lock receptacles (LK)" that lock the plug when twisted, and outdoor "weatherproof receptacles (WP)".

Key points


  • 3-way switches (terminals 0, 1, 3) control from 2 places; adding a 4-way switch (terminals 1, 2, 3, 4) between them controls from 3 or more places.

  • A location indicator switch (H) "lights up when OFF", whereas a confirmation indicator / pilot switch (P) "lights up when ON".

  • Receptacle symbols: E = grounding pole, ET = grounding terminal, EET = both pole and terminal, LK = twist-lock prevents pull-out, WP = weatherproof.
WordMeaning
3-way switch and 4-way switch
location indicator switch (H) and confirmation indicator switch (P)
automatic photocell switch (A) and remote control relay
grounding-pole grounding-terminal receptacle (EET)
twist-lock receptacle (LK)

Switches, Molded-Case Circuit Breakers (Trip Time), Earth Leakage Breakers and Magnetic Starters

A "covered knife switch" combines manual switching with overcurrent protection by holding fuse links inside that melt during an overload. Meanwhile, the standard breaker in modern distribution boards, the "molded-case circuit breaker (MCCB)", automatically trips on overload or short circuit and is reset simply by flipping the lever back.

Question 15 frequently tests the "automatic operating (trip) time" of MCCBs rated at 30 A or less. At "1.0 times" rated current it never trips, but when "1.25 times rated current (e.g., 25 A through a 20 A breaker)" flows, it must automatically trip "within 60 minutes".

Furthermore, when "2.0 times rated current (e.g., 40 A through a 20 A breaker, or 60 A through a 30 A breaker)" flows, it must automatically trip "within 2 minutes" (note that for breakers rated over 30 A up to 50 A, the limit is 60 minutes at 1.25× and 4 minutes at 2×).

An "earth leakage circuit breaker (ELB)", which prevents electric shock and fire from ground faults, is visually distinguished by its built-in "test button (a small yellow or red button)" on the front cover. High-sensitivity high-speed ELBs for homes have a "rated sensitivity current ≤ 30 mA and operating time ≤ 0.1 seconds".

A "magnetic starter (electromagnetic switch)" used to remotely control and protect three-phase induction motors in factories combines a "magnetic contactor" (which opens and closes main contacts via an electromagnet) with a "thermal relay" (which uses bending bimetallic strips to trip the circuit during an overload).

Key points


  • Operating time of MCCBs rated ≤ 30 A: must trip "within 60 minutes at 1.25× rated current" and "within 2 minutes at 2× rated current".

  • An earth leakage breaker (ELB) has a "test button" and detects leakage current via an internal zero-phase current transformer (ZCT).

  • A motor "magnetic starter" is a combination of a "magnetic contactor" (for switching) and a "thermal relay" (for overload protection).
WordMeaning
operating time of a molded-case circuit breaker (MCCB)
earth leakage circuit breaker (with test button)
covered knife switch
magnetic contactor and thermal relay

Types and Uses of Electrician Tools and Identifying Crimping Tools

Question 13 (matching work to tools) and Question 18 (tool photo identification) test the proper use of electrical tools. In cable work, electricians use "lineman's pliers (penchi)" to cut and bend wire, a "VVF cable stripper" to strip both sheath and core insulation in one tool, and an "electrician's knife" to pare insulation.

Distinguishing crimping pliers is critical. For crimping ring sleeves (E-type), you must use the "ring sleeve crimping tool (JIS C 9711) with YELLOW handle grips and four die grooves (○, Small, Medium, Large)". Tools with RED handle grips are for "bare crimp terminals (R-type)" and cannot be used on ring sleeves.

In metal conduit work, use a "hacksaw (install the blade to cut on the push stroke)" to cut steel pipe, a conical bladed "reamer (mounted in a brace)" to remove interior burrs from the cut pipe end, and a long-lever "pipe bender" to bend steel conduit.

Other essential metal conduit tools include a "pipe threader (Oster-type)" to cut threads on conduit ends, adjustable "water pump pliers" to grip and tighten locknuts and couplings, and a "fish tape (steel wire / yobisen)" fed into the conduit first to pull insulated wires through.

For hole-making tools, memorize the hand-cranked "brace and auger bit" for drilling through wooden posts and beams, the cylindrical toothed "hole saw" and hydraulic "knockout puncher" for making round holes in steel enclosures or pull boxes, and the "blowtorch (torch lamp)" for heating and bending rigid PVC (VE) pipe.

Types and Uses of Electrician Tools and Identifying Crimping Tools

Key points


  • The ring sleeve crimping tool has "YELLOW handles (dies: ○, Small, Medium, Large)"—distinguish it from the RED-handled tool for bare crimp terminals.

  • Dedicated metal conduit tools: cutting = hacksaw, interior deburring = reamer, bending = pipe bender, threading = Oster-type threader.

  • Drilling & wire-pulling tools: wood boring = brace & auger bit, steel box holes = hole saw / knockout puncher, wire pulling = fish tape (yobisen).
WordMeaning
ring sleeve crimping tool (yellow handle)
VVF stripper and water pump pliers
pipe bender and pipe reamer (deburring tool)
brace, hole saw and hydraulic knockout puncher
fish tape / pull wire (yobisen)

Three-Phase Squirrel-Cage Induction Motors: Structure, Synchronous Speed, Starting & Capacitors

Question 14 tests the characteristics of the "three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor", which has a simple, rugged structure. Supplying three-phase AC to the stator windings creates a "rotating magnetic field", whose rotational speed is called the "synchronous speed Ns (unit: min⁻¹, revolutions per minute)".

Synchronous speed Ns is proportional to supply frequency f (Hz) and inversely proportional to the number of magnetic poles p via "Ns = (120 × f) ÷ p". For a 4-pole motor (p = 4), "Ns = 120 × 50 ÷ 4 = 1,500 min⁻¹" in a 50 Hz region and "1,800 min⁻¹" in a 60 Hz region (changing from 50 Hz to 60 Hz increases speed by 1.2 times).

The actual rotor speed N is a few percent slower than synchronous speed Ns; this fractional lag is called "slip s", where "N = Ns × (1 − s)". To reverse the rotation direction of a three-phase motor, "swap any 2 of the 3 power supply wires (R, S, T)" (watch out for the trap: swapping all 3 wires cyclically keeps it spinning in the same direction!).

Starting a motor directly across the line from rest draws a large starting current of "4 to 8 times" rated current. To suppress this, "star-delta (Y-Δ) starting" connects the windings in Y during startup, reducing both "starting current and starting torque to one-third (1/3)" compared with direct-on-line Δ starting.

Because an induction motor acts inductively (lagging power factor), connecting a "phase-advancing capacitor (SC)" in "parallel" with the motor supplies leading current, improving the circuit power factor (cosφ) closer to 1 and reducing line current and power loss.

Three-Phase Squirrel-Cage Induction Motors: Structure, Synchronous Speed, Starting & Capacitors

Key points


  • Synchronous speed is "Ns = 120 × f ÷ p (min⁻¹)"; a 4-pole motor runs at 1,500 min⁻¹ on 50 Hz and 1,800 min⁻¹ on 60 Hz.

  • Reverse a 3-phase motor by "swapping 2 of the 3 power wires" / Y-Δ starting reduces starting current to "1/3".

  • To improve the lagging power factor of a motor circuit, connect a "phase-advancing capacitor" in "parallel" with the motor.

  • Example: A 6-pole, 50Hz 3-phase induction motor (slip s = 0.04) → Synchronous speed Ns = 120 × 50 ÷ 6 = 1,000 min⁻¹, rotor speed N = 1,000 × (1 − 0.04) = 960 min⁻¹ (if direct-on-line starting current is 90A, Y-Δ starting reduces it to 90 ÷ 3 = 30A)
WordMeaning
three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor
synchronous speed (Ns = 120f ÷ p) and slip (s)
star-delta (Y-Δ) starting method
phase-advancing capacitor (for power factor correction)

Lighting Fixtures (LED, Fluorescent, HID), Solar Power and Storage Batteries

Question 15 also tests lighting fixtures and energy-saving equipment. Mainstream "LED lamps (light-emitting diodes)" offer major advantages over incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps: "extremely high luminous efficacy (brightness per watt: lm/W) and a very long service life (approx. 40,000 hours)".

Furthermore, LED lamps "light up instantly when switched on", "emit almost no infrared or ultraviolet rays, resulting in less heat radiation and attracting fewer insects", "contain no toxic mercury unlike fluorescent lamps", and "achieve a high power factor via their control power supply unit (LED driver)".

Meanwhile, conventional fluorescent lamps and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps—such as mercury vapor, sodium vapor, and metal halide lamps—must always be paired with a "ballast (anteiki)" to stabilize discharge current (incandescent bulbs need no ballast and have a 100% power factor).

In a residential solar power system, "direct current (DC)" electricity generated by rooftop "solar cell modules (panels)" is gathered in a "junction box" and converted by a "power conditioner (with built-in inverter)" into "alternating current (AC 100 V / 200 V)" synchronized with household wiring and the utility grid.

Secondary batteries (rechargeable storage batteries) used for emergency backup power or solar energy storage include high-energy-density "lithium-ion batteries", long-life "alkaline storage batteries (such as nickel-metal hydride)", and "lead-acid batteries" (manganese and alkaline dry cells are non-rechargeable primary batteries).

Key points


  • LED lamps have "higher luminous efficacy (lm/W) and longer life" than incandescent or fluorescent lamps, contain no mercury, and light instantly.

  • In solar power systems, DC electricity generated by solar panels is converted into AC by a "power conditioner".

  • Correct equipment pairings: Mercury/fluorescent lamp = "Ballast"; Induction motor = "Phase-advancing capacitor"; Solar cell = "Power conditioner".
WordMeaning
luminous efficacy (lm/W: lumens per watt)
ballast (for discharge lamps)
power conditioner (DC to AC conversion)
secondary battery (lithium-ion battery, lead-acid battery)

Frequently Tested Points & Memory Aids

Memorize maximum allowable wire temperatures in 15°C steps: "IV, VVF = 60°C; HIV, EM = 75°C; CV = 90°C". For MCCB trip times (≤ 30 A), remember: "1.25× current trips within 60 minutes; 2× current trips within 2 minutes (2 times = 2 minutes!)".

For switches H and P: "H = Hotaru / firefly (glows in the dark to find the switch, so lit when OFF)", "P = Pilot (confirms a fan is running, so lit when ON)". For crimping pliers: "YELLOW handle = Ring sleeves; RED handle = Bare crimp terminals".

For 3-phase motors: "Reverse rotation = swap 2 of 3 wires", "Y-Δ starting = starting current becomes 1/3", "Power factor improvement = parallel phase-advancing capacitor". For conduit tools: "Metal pipe deburring = reamer, bending = pipe bender; PVC pipe (VE) bending = blowtorch".

Key points


  • Maximum allowable temperature: IV, VVF, VVR = 60°C / HIV, EM-IE, EM-EEF = 75°C / CV cable = 90°C.

  • Breaker trip time (rated ≤ 30 A): 1.25× rated current = within 60 min; 2× rated current = within 2 min (2× is 2 min).

  • Switches & Outlets: H (location indicator) = lit when OFF; P (pilot indicator) = lit when ON; LK = twist-lock; WP = weatherproof.

  • Crimping & Conduit tools: Ring sleeve plier = YELLOW handle; pipe deburring = reamer; steel pipe bending = pipe bender; dissimilar pipes = combination coupling.

  • 3-Phase Induction Motor: Synchronous speed Ns = 120f ÷ p; reverse = swap 2 of 3 wires; Y-Δ starting current = 1/3; phase-advancing capacitor = parallel.
WordMeaning
maximum allowable temperature (60°C, 75°C, 90°C)
2× current trips within 2 minutes
yellow-handled ring sleeve crimping tool
rubber bushing (box knockout) and insulating bushing (metal pipe end)

Equipment, Devices, Materials & Tools

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Official references

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